New Yacht City

An array of gorgeous yachts? Check. Specialised yachting services? Check. Accompanying glitzy gatherings? Check. With all these in tow, anticipate an all-out, extravagant affair at Boat Asia 2013 as our little island-city welcomes back one of the region’s largest premier yachting events.Apart from its usual, stunning showcase of choice yachts and superyachts, the event will be navigating into higher waters this year by hosting an especially select group: Asia’s fantastically wealthy elite, or Ultra High Net Worth individuals (UHNWI).These UHNWI are expected to land from China and Southeast Asia to play at Boat Asia via an exclusive VIP Program, which the Bank of Singapore has come onboard as a partner. As part of it, these Asian high rollers will be guided in purchasing their new luxe water toys, and participate in Boat Asia’s cocktail event on a superyacht where they will rub shoulders with the region’s luxury yachting community.Then there’s the golf tournament at the Sentosa Golf Club, hosted luxury shopping at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, spa therapy, a Marina Runway Fashion show, a glorious sunset champagne cruise to the Southern Islands, complimentary test drives in presenting sponsor McLaren’s supercar and private limousine services — all of which will definitely ensure an extraordinary Boat Asia VIP experience.Last year’s event attracted a quality crowd of 12,000 visitors — a figure it seeks to top this year — with over 100 exhibits from Asia-Pacific, Europe, US, the Middle East and China. Docked at the Marina at Keppel Bay from April 18 to 21, the show is expected to present tenders, a record-breaking number of superyachts, leading international yacht brands with a presence in Asia and on-water accoutrements. Another highlight for this year: The debut of the Horizon Group’s new 115-foot expedition yacht EP115 that was sold to a Singaporean owner.Because it believes in having something for everyone, Boat Asia 2013 will also reach out to those who have just joined the ranks of wealth. Specially-designed exhibits will be on display to cater to first-time boaters and hobbyists, as well as those looking to charter — such as the newly refitted Royal Albatross.With all that is being offered at Boat Asia 2013, it truly looks set to be a spectacular event. Time to get out those nautical-inspired crisp whites and deck shoes for a splash of fantastic fun.boat-asia.com

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